Sir Alex eyeing Madrid match-up

Madrid challenge
"I would be happy enough to face Real Madrid," said Sir Alex after the game. "They are a very good side with fantastic individual players and you have got to respect their history. But I believe Manchester United would be a challenge for Real Madrid. We have improved a lot in the past few years in Europe. It's possible we could draw Real Madrid and if so you've got to beat the best some time, so why not next time?"

Under-strength
With United guaranteed to finish top of the group and Deportivo unable to qualify, both coaches opted to field under-strength sides. However, the hosts dominated the game from the start, with Juan Valerón and Alberto Luque running the opposition defence ragged.

Lynch blameless
The first goal came after 32 minutes, Víctor Sánchez tapping-in a Luque cross from close range. The second came only two minutes after the interval, as youngster Mark Lynch headed Víctor's cross into his own net. "He was unlucky," said Sir Alex. "There was nothing he could do about it and he should not be blamed."

"Lacked strength"
The United side that takes the field in the quarter-finals will doubtless have a different make-up to the one that Deportivo outclassed, but Sir Alex was pleased with his young players' effort. "We lacked strength against a stronger and more experienced opponent," he said. "We lost the second goal at a bad time - but I think as the game went on we got better, and they kept trying which is important.

Fletcher praised
"I'm satisfied they did their best," he continued, before singling out Scottish youngster Darren Fletcher for particular praise. "He got the pace of the game very quickly and showed his quality. In two years he will be a very good player. We didn't expect to win the game in terms of the experience our opponents had - but we've had our chances."

Irureta regret
Deportivo coach Javier Irureta revealed his regret that Juventus FC's last-minute goal in last Wednesday's 3-2 defeat at the Stadio Delli Alpi had cost his side a place in the quarter-finals. "We have been knocked out with seven points, a situation which makes me regret the extra minute in Turin."

"Open match"
However, he felt his side deserved real credit for beating United, despite the visitors fielding a weakened side. "It was an open match and it helped that we could play without having the pressure of wining. Even though Manchester United did not play their strongest team, they still had quality players like Ryan Giggs, Diego Forlán and Phillip Neville, so we expected a good match."

United favourites
After playing United four times in the UEFA Champions League last season, and now twice this season, Irureta feels informed enough about Sir Alex's side to believe they can win the tournament as a whole. "If they make it into the semi-finals they will have a great chance of winning the tournament," he said. "Along with Real Madrid and Arsenal they are definitely the favourites."